The effects of neutron irradiation on a superconducting metallic glass

The effects of fast neutron irradiation on a superconducting metallic glass (Mo0.6Ru0.4)82B18 have been studied. Following irradiation to a total fluence of 1019 n/cm2, Tc increases from 6.05 to 6.19 K, and the width of the transition decreases sharply. The density of the material decreases by 1.5%, and the x-ray scattering intensity maxima are broadened. An improvement in the ductility of the samples is observed which together with the other observations suggests the production of defects having atomic scale dimensions and characterized by excess volume.